Unfortunately, ‘tis the global pandemic season when everyone with a sewing machine is cranking out masks and distributing them as widely a possible. I had requests from my own family to make them some masks to help during this time, so I wanted to find a design that featured all the recommended safety precautions as well as one that was a one-size-fits-all design that was relatively comfortable to wear.
A word on masks: the CDC recommends that ALL people in the US wear a face mask when out of the house. At this point hopefully everyone is onboard with the effectiveness of wearing masks, but even if somehow you are still skeptical as to the safety feature: there is significant value even in just the social signaling and destigmatizing of masks. If you go into the grocery store and everyone around you is sporting a mask, it signals “Hey! There’s something major going on!” and peaks your awareness and level of caution which is a GOOD THING. But seriously, WEAR A MASK. Most stores rightfully will not allow you to enter without a mask and several cities have impletmented fines for people seen out and unmasked. Masks are here to stay for awhile, so perhaps it’s time to pull out the sewing machine again and make a few more masks to add to your rotation.
There are dozens of tutuorials available online now for a variety of different styles of masks. If you are someone who would like to produce masks to donate to local hospitals (if your local hospital is still in need) - please check first with the place where you would like to donate as many places have very strict guidelines as to what they can accept. I was surprised though as I looked through designs that it was actually somewhat challenging to find a tutorial that gave me simple measurements rather than needing to go through the process of using a template. So I was left to do a little bit of trial and error to find a design and size that worked.
You will need a single piece of fabric 8”x18” for the mask. Everything I’ve read has suggested using only 100% cotten for this, with the tightest weave you can find. I have plenty of cotton quilting fabric so I used that. Then you will need ties: if you have bias tape, this will save you the time of creating your own, or you could probably use a material that does not fray (like a t-shirt) and use those as ties to avoid needing to sew down the entire length and just attach to the sides of the mask. I settled on making my ties 38” long to allow for a larger range of sizes.
I first ironed a double folded hem on each short end of the mask. I then inserted a twist tie into each hem and stitched it shut to allow the wearer to squeeze the mask to the bridge of the nose for a tighter fit. In retrospect, an unbent paperclip may have been a better choice, providing even more structure around the nose.
Once twist ties were in each end of the mask, I folded the mask in half with the right sides facing out and ironed into several pleats. The finished mask should have a height of only 3.5-4”. This height is important for how closely the mask will fit to your face once tied.
For the ties, I essentially created my own double-fold bias tape (folding into quarters so that raw edges are on the inside). There are many ways to finish the ends; I simply snipped away some of the excess fabric, then folded the ends in to create a square end.
To attach the ties to the mask and finish it all up, simply place the raw edges of the mask into the fold of your ties and sew down the entire length of the tie. The top portion of the ties must be longer in order to comfortably tie around the upper, larger part of a head. The bottom ties are tieing around closer to the neck. About 22” above the mask and 11” below works nicely.
To fit the the mask to your face you should have the downward facing pleats on the outside. I found it easiest to first squeeze the mask to fit my nose and then adjust the mask to the rest of my face.
You’ll notice this design also leaves the top hem of the mask open, like a pocket. This is so an inner filter layer can be inserted. I highly recommend using this extra layer. I’ve seen many recommendations of materials that can be used. Anything non-woven should work such as: vacuum bag, tissue, coffee filter, or simply 2 layers of papertowels (which I’ve been told is one of the most effective).
I made a handful of these and then washed and packaged them up and sent them on their way to some friends and family. This is such a strange time with so very many big unknowns, it felt nice to know that at least there was one thing I knew I could do that could have a positive effect for someone. Once you are making one mask it really doesn’t take a lot more time to make a few more (and not everyone has a sewing machine or the know-how/time!), so if you’re thinking about tackling this project- make a few extra to send to loved ones or have on hand for someone in need. My few extras have already found homes so I expect I’ll find myself making a new batch soon.
Update: I am now tackling a pattern utilizing elastics rather than ties as there are some applications that I’m finding myself preferring the fit of elastic bands rather than ties, and have had some requests for masks that don’t require the hassle of tieing. so stay tuned for an alteration to this design to encorporate elastic!